Context
The US has reiterated its willingness both to play a role in Asia Pacific and boost ties with China, in spite of “political winds” which threaten to jeopardize relations, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen said in Beijing on Monday. “Now, more than ever, the US is a Pacific nation. It is clear that our military interests and economic well-being are tied to Asia,” he said. Mullen also made it clear that the US didn’t fear China’s rise and in contrast, would stand to profit from a stronger China like other nations. The admiral arrived in Beijing Saturday for a four-day visit to attend the “Cooperative Security and Regional Stability in Asia” conference.
